Matter is defined as anything that has mass and occupies space.

States of Matter

There are three primary states of matter:

1. Solids
   • Particles are tightly packed in a regular pattern.
   • Do not flow, as particles vibrate in fixed positions.
   • Definite shape and volume.
   • Difficult to compress.
2. Liquids
   • Particles are close but not in a regular arrangement.
   • Flow easily, as particles can move past each other.
   • Indefinite shape (takes the shape of the container).
   • Definite volume.
   • Difficult to compress.
3. Gases
   • Particles are far apart with no regular arrangement.
   • Move randomly and quickly.
   • Indefinite shape and volume.
   • Can be compressed.
   • Flow easily.